Sound-box diaphragm.



E. R. JOHNSON.

SOUND BOX DIAPHRAGM.

APPLICATION HLED FEB. 16. 1912.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

I I N VE N TOR Eldmqge /7? (fa/2175022.

WITNESSES ATTORNEY E. R. JOHNSON.

SOUND BOX DIAPHRAGM.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 16. 1912.

1,180,401. Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

INVENTOR y BY hwfifi ATTORNEY THE COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH co., WASHINGTON,D. c

E. R. JOHNSON.

SOUND BOX DIAPHRAGM.

APPLlCATlON FILED FEB. 16. 1912.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

ATTORNEY THE COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH 50-. WASHINGTON, D. C.

E. R. JOHNSON. SOUND BOX DIAPHRAGM.

APPLICATION FILED FEB. 16. 1912.

1,180,401. Patented Apr. 25,1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4- INVENTOR THE COLUMBIA PLANOGRAPH C0., wAiulNomN, D. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ELDRIDGE R. JOHNSON, 0F MERION, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO VICTOR TALKINGMACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY.

SOUND-BOX DIAPHRAGM.

Application filed February 16, 1912.

Z '0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ELDRIDGE R. JOHNSON, a citizen of the United States,and a resident of Mei-ion, county of Montgomery, and State ofPennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inSound-Box Diaphragms, whereof the following is a specification,reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

This invention is particularly directed to vibratory diaphragms forsound recording and reproducing devices, such as may preferably beadapted to the sound reproducing mechanism of a talking machine.

The principal object of this invention is, to provide a diaphragm thatwill readily respond to the most delicate and rapid vibrations. andaccurately record and reproduce all of the high and low tones and theincluded range with equal clearness and with substantially the sameintensity as the original sounds.

Other objects of this invention are, to provide a diaphragm of suchconstruction as to substantially eliminate any stresses and strains thattend to produce false tones or in any way affect the intensity, accuracyand clearness of the reproduction; to provide a diaphragm having itsengaged periphery formed of a relatively narrow separate member, andhaving its major portion separately formed and secured thereto.

Other objects of this invention are, to provide a diaphragm having abulged major portion formed of a radially slitted disk of sheetmaterial, such as mica, isinglass, celluloid, paper, and similarmaterials, having its opposed edges secured in overlapped relation; toprovide a diaphragm having a bulged major portion formed of aperipherally recessed disk of sheet material having its opposed edgessecured in abutted relation: to provide a diaphragm having a bulgedmajor portion formed of a plurality of sectoral sections respectivelysecured together, with their edges in overlapped relation; to provide adiaphragm having a bulged major portion formed of a plurality ofsectoral sections respectively secured together. with their edgesabutted; to provide a diaphragm having a bulged lami nated portionformed of separate pieces Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 25, 1916.

Serial No. 678,120.

having abutted edges, the abutted edges of the respective laminationsbeing relatively out of registry; to provide a diaphragm having a bulgedmajor portion formed of sections respectively having their edges securedto the edges of adjacent sections by stitching; to provide a diaphragmhavinga bulged major portion provided with a peripheral integral flangeextended at an angle with respect to the central portion and in a planenormal to the axis of said diaphragm; and to provide a diaphragm havinga bulged major portion, connected with a separate annular flange spacedtherefrom by an annular web of relatively thin material.

Generally stated, the form of this invention hereinafter describedprovides a flat. annular, vibratory flange, to which is secured a bulgedor conical substantially inflexible major portion adapted to reciprocateas a whole within the engaged peripheral edge of said annular flange.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a face View of a diaphragmshowing a convenient embodiment of this invention; Fig. 2 is a sectionalview of said diaphragm taken on the line 22 in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is afragmentary sectional "iew of said diaphragm taken on the line 3-3 inFig. 1: Fig. 4: is a fragmentary sectional view of said diaphragm takenon the line H in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of saiddiaphragm taken on the line 55 in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a sectional view ofsaid diaphragm taken on the line 66 in Fig.

1; Fig. 7 is a face view of the annular peripheral supporting flange,per 86; Fig. 8 is a face view of a modification of the diaphragm shownin Fig. 1; Fig. 9 is a central transverse sectional view of thediaphragm shown in Fig. 8, taken on the line 9-9 in said figure; Fig. 10is a face view of another modification of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 1;Fig. 11 is a face "iew of one of the segments forming the conicalcentral portion of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 10; Fig. 12- is anothermodification of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 13 is a face view ofthe flat blank from which the central portion of the diaphragm shown ofanother modification of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 15 is acentral transverse sectional view of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 1 1-,taken on the line 15-15 in said figure; Fig. 16 is a face view ofanother modification of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 1;.Fig. 17 is acentral transverse sectional view of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 16,taken on the line 1717 in said figure; Fig. 18 is a face view of theflat blank from which thecentral-portion of the diaphragm shown in Figs.16 and 17 is formed; Fig. 19 is a face view of the blank shown in Fig.18, having its peripheral margin slightly turned up to form a flange forengagement with the annular ring shown in Fig. 7;;Fig. 20 is a centraltransverse sectional view of the blanlrshown in Fig. 19, taken on theline 20 20 in said figure; Fig. 21 is a .face view of another modifiedform of diaphragm; Fig. 22 is a central transverse sectional view of thediaphragm shown in Fig. 21, taken on the line 2222 in said figure; Fig.23 is a face view of another form of the diaphragm shown in Fig. 21; andFig. 2a is a,central transverse sectional View .of the diaphragm shownin Fig. 23, taken on the line 2%2 1 in said figure.

In the omnibus form of this invention shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings,the central major portion of thediaphragm comprises a laminatedstructure formed of a plurality of sectoral members 25, respectivelyhaving their radial or lateral edges 26 abutted and joined by stitches27, and having their circumferentialor outer edges-28 abutted with theinner edge 29 ofthe peripheral annular supporting flange member 130.Superimposed upon the conical structure formed by the sectoral members25, ,are a plurality of relatively broad sectoral members 31respectively having their radial or lateral margins overlapping themarginsof their adjacent members and conveniently secured together byany suitable means. preferably by an adhesiveor by stitches 32, or both.and having their circumferential margins overlapping the annular-flange30.

As best shown in Fig. 1, the abutted edges of the sectoral members 25are preferably disposedintermediate of the overlapped margins of thesectoral members 31. The diaphragm thus formed is preferably providedwith a central aperture 33, for theconvenient attachment with a stylusbar (not shown) The form ofthis invention shown in Figs. 8 and 9 is asimplification of the diaphragm shown in Figs. 1 to 7, inclusive, andcomprises a major central conical portion formed of sectoral members 25,preferably secured together by stitches 27, and havingtheircircumferential or outer edges 28 in abutted relation to theinneredge 29 of the annular flange member 30, as the subjacent laminaformed by the members 25, shown in Fig. 1. The abutted radial or lateraledges 26 of the members 25, and the abutted circumferential or outeredges 28 of said sectoral members 25, and the edges 29 of the annularflange member 30 may preferably be secured by a suitable adhesive toform a substantially integral structure.

It is to be understood that while the stitches 27 are shown as disposedonly near the periphery of the conical structure formed by the sectoralmembers 25, said sectoral members may be secured together by stitchesdisposed at different regions along the abutted edges, and, furthermore.the conical structure formed by said sectoral members may be secured tothe annular flange member 30 by stitches in the same manner.

The .formof this invention shown in .Fi 10 and 1 1 is anothersimplification of the structure shown in Figs. 1 .to 7, inclusive, andcomprises the annular flange member 3 and t en a en t maj PO comprisingthesectoral members 31 respectively having their radial or lateralmargins 34 in overlapped relation with the .adjacent ;sections, andtheir circ m ferential margins 35 flanged in a plane normal-to the axis,of the conical structure thus formed. and preferably secured {by anadhesive in overlapped relation with the inner margin adjacent to theedge 29 of the annular flange member .30.

The form of this invention shown .in Figs.

12 and 13 isa still further simplification of the structure shown inFigs. 1 to 7, inclusive, and comprises theannular flange member 30,and-the centralconical majorportion formedof asinglepiece 3.6.of sheetmaterial havinga centralcircular opening 37 and a V-shaped recess 38forming opposed edges 39 which are substantially radial to the center.of the piece :36. The .radial edges .39 formedbythe recess 38 inthepiece 36 are brought togetherand secured, preferably by an adhesiveor.by the stitches 27. or both, as shown in 12. .thus forminga conicalmajor portion having aperipheryof greater diameter than theinner-diameter of the annular flange member 30, and having itsperipheral margin in overlapped relation with the inner nargin, of theannular flange member 30. and secured thereto in any suitable manner,preferably byan adhesive.

The formof this invention shown in Figs. lat and 15 is a structuresimilar to the form ofthe invention shown in Figs. 12 and 13, but havingthe central conical major portion laminated and comprising superirmposed conieally formed pieces 36 of sheet material. secured togetherwith their respective abutted edges 39 disposed out of registry; that isto say, the abutted edges 39 of the. .subjacent conically formed piece36 being disposed beneath an uncut portion of the web of the superjacentconically formed piece 36, and the abutted edges 39 of said superjacentmember being disposed over an uncut portion of the web of said subjacentmember, the abutted edges 39 of the respective lamina being preferablydisposed in alinement, as best shown in Fig. 14, the conical central.major portion overlapping, and being secured to the inner margin of theannular flange member 30, adjacent to the edge 29.

The form of this invention shown in Figs. 16 to 20, inclusive, comprisesa still further simplified structure, comprising the annular flangemember 30, and the central conical major portion formed of a. singlepiece 42 of sheet material, which, as best shown in Fig. 18, is acircular disk having a central aperture 43, and provided with a radialslit 44, forming opposed edges, the margins 45 along which may beoverlapped, as shown in Fig. 16, to form the central conicalsubstantially inflexible major portion of the diaphragm.

As shown in Figs. 19 and 20, the peripheral margin of the piece 42 maybe slightly upturned to form a marginal flange 46 (see Fig. 20) beforehaving the edges of the slit 44 overlapped. Thus it will be seen thatwhen the margins 45 along the edges of the slit 44 are overlapped andsecured together to form the conical piece 42, the flange 46 will occupya position in a plane substantially normal to the axis of the conicalcentral major portion formed by the piece 42, which flange 46 may bereadily secured in any suitable manner, in overlapped relation with theinner margin of the annular flange member 30, as shown in Figs. 16 and17.

The form of this invention shown in Figs. 21 and 22 is similar to theform shown in Figs. 12 and 13, in so far as the central conical majorportion is concerned. In this form of the invention, however, thediameter of the conical central portion 50 is less than the innerdiameter of the annular flange member 30, so, as best shown in Fig. anannular gap 51 is formed between the outer periphery of the centralportion 50 and the inner edge 29 of the annular flange member 30.

As best shown in Fig. 22, the central conical portion 50 may be securedto the annular flange member 30 by a relatively thin annular membrane52, which is suitably secured to one face of the annular flange member30, and to the inner peripheral margin of said conical portion 50. andan annular membrane 53 secured to the membrane 52 between the inner edge29 of the annular flange member 30 and the outer edge of the portion 50,and overlapping the peripheral margin of said portion 50 and secured toits outer face. By this construction it will be seen that the centralportion 50 being substantially inflexible, has a great freedom ofreciprocation with respect to the flange member 30, with which it isconnected by the relatively thin and highly flexible mem brane.

The form of this invention shown in Figs. and 24 is similar to the formshown in Figs. 14 and 15, in so far as the central conical portion ofthe diaphragm is concerned, and comprises the conical central majorportion 55 formed of lamina members 56, substantially formed as shown inFig. 13 and placed together substantially as shown in Figs. 14 and 15,inclusive. In this form of the invention, like the form shown in Figs.21 and 22, the outer periphery of the central conical major portion ofthe diaphragm is less than the diameter of the in ner edge of theannular flange member 30, and is joined by the membranes 52 and 53respectively, as in said Figs. 21 and 22.

It is believed that by forming a diaphragm with an annular flange whichis separate from and secured to a separately formed conical centralmajor portion in the manner above set forth, undesirable strains andstresses which would be incident to the forming of a diaphragm of asingle piece of sheet material having its central portion bulged, willbe substantially eliminated, and the annular flange thus formed will betherefore more susceptible in responding to the vibrations occasioned bysound waves, than if the diaphragm were formed of a single piece.

Although the diaphragm as above described is referred to generally asbeing formed of sheet material, it is to be under stood that it ispreferable to form said diaphragm of mica or like material, which, aswill be noted, may be readily cut and formed into the desired shapes.and which may have its parts secured by stitching, to prevent theaccidental separation of said parts.

It is not desired to limit this invention to the precise details ofconstruction and arrangement herein set forth, as it is obvious thatvarious modifications may be made therein without departing from theessen tial features of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularflange member of sheet material, having inner and outer edges, of aconical central major portion having a central aperture and comprising asectoral section of sheet material having radial edges secured togetherand a pcripheral edge secured to the inner edge of said flange member.

2. In a diaphragm, the cmnbination with a separately formed annularperipheral flange member. of sheet; material, ofa conical central majorportion having a central aperture and comprising a sectoral section ofsheet material, having radial edges secured together and amargin securedin overlapped relation with the inner margin of said annular flangemember.

3. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularmember of sheet materiahhaving inner and outer edges, of a substantiallyconical central major portion having a central aperture and comprising asectoral section of sheet material, having its radial edges securedtogether, .and its peripheral edge secured to the inner edge of saidannular member.

4:. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularmemberaof a conical central major portion comprising a sectoral section,having its radial edges secured'together and its peripheral edge extended over the inner margin of said annular member and secured thereto.

In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annular-member,of a conical central major portion comprising a sectoral section ofsheet material, having is radial edges secured together, and-its'peripheral margin extended to form a flange, in a plane normal to'theaxis of the conical structure thus formed, and means for securing saidflanged portion with said an nular member.

6. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularmember, of-a conical central major portion comprising a sectoral sectionof sheet material, having the margins along its radial edges secured inoverlapped relation, and its peripheral edge secured to said annularmember.

7. In a diaphragnn'the combination with a separately formed annularmember of sheet material, of a conical central major portion comprisinga sectoral section of sheet material, comprising a substantiallycircular disk having a. radial slit, the margins along said slit beingsecured in overlapped relation, and having its peripheral margin securedto said annular member.

8. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularmember, of a bulged central major portion having a central aperture andcomprising a sectoral section of sheet material formed of a disk havinga radial slit, the margins along said slit being secured inoverlappedrelation, and the peripheral margin being flanged in a planenormal to the axis of the bulged structure thus formed, said flangebeing secured in overlapped relation with said annular member.

9. In a diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed member ofsheet ma terial, having inner and outer edges, of a conical cent :11major portion comprising a sectoral piecezof sheet material,ihaving-itslateral margins secured .in overlapped relation, and having its outermargin extended overaportion of said annular member and secured thereto.

.10. A diaphragm formed of an annular peripheral member oi -sheetmaterial, and a separately formed central major portion comprising adisk of sheet materialslitted radially and having its peripheraledgeupturned toform a flange for engagement-With said peripheral member.

:11. A'diaphragm :formed of an annular peripheral member of mica, and aseparately formed centralmajor portion comprising a disk of mica slittedradially and having its peripheral edge upturned to form a flange forengagement with said peripheral mem ber.

12. A diaphragm vformed of a peripheral member of mica, and a separatelyformed centralmajor portion comprising a disk of mica slittedradiallyand having its marginal radial edgesoverlappedandsecuredtogether by stitches.

13. A diaphragm comprising an annular member forming the outer :portionof the diaphragm, and a cup-shaped member having an outer marginal edgesecured to said annular member, and having edges secured together andextending inwardly from said marginal member, said cup-shaped memberforming the central portion of said 'dia phragm.

14. A diaphragm comprising a substantially flat annular ,member formingthe outer part of the diaphragm, and a cupshaped member securedmarginally to the inner margin of said annular member and provided withradial edges secured together.

15. A diaphragm comprising a substantially flat annular member formingthe outer part of the diaphragm, and a cupshaped member securedmarginally to the inner margin of said annular member and provided-W1l3l1 radial overlapped edges secured together.

16. Ina diaphragm, the combination with a separately formed annularmember of sheet material, having inner and outer edges, of a cup-shapedcentral major por tion, comprising sheet material having edges securedtogether and extending from the inner edge of said annular niemberinwardly, and having a peripheral edge secured to the inner edge of saidannular member.

17. A diaphragm comprising a cup shaped member having edges extendingfrom the periphery of the disk inwardly and secured together, and anannular mem ber ofsheet material, secured to the marginal portion ofsaid disk.

18. A diaphragm comprising an annular member forming the outer portionof the diaphragm and a disk of sheet material slit In witness whereof, Ihave hereto set from the periphery thereof toward the cenmy hand this9th day of February, A. D. ter and having the edges adjacent said slit1912.

secured together to form a cupped member ELDRIDGE R. JOHNSON. 5 and theedge of the cupped member so Witnesses:

formed being secured to the inner edge of CHARLES F. WILLARD,

said annular member. FRANK B. MIDDLETON, Jr.

copies ot this patent may be obtained tor five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner or intents, Washington, 20.0."

